Understanding how physical activity affects pain in chronic pain treatments

Characterizing the relationship between objective physical activity and momentary pain in cognitive behavioral interventions for chronic pain

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10888901

This study is looking at how staying active can affect pain levels in Veterans with chronic pain, using helpful techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to see if they can improve the way pain and activity work together.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10888901 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between physical activity and pain levels in individuals with chronic pain, particularly focusing on cognitive behavioral interventions like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). By using accelerometers to objectively measure physical activity and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to track pain in real-time, the study aims to provide insights into how these factors interact over time. The research specifically targets Veterans, a group that experiences high rates of chronic pain, to explore how cognitive behavioral strategies can modify this relationship. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of pain management interventions by understanding the dynamics of pain and activity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans suffering from chronic pain who are seeking new ways to manage their condition.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic pain or those who are not Veterans may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies that enhance physical functioning and quality of life for patients with chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between physical activity and pain using similar methodologies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.